Dual mode recirculating toilet system

ABSTRACT

A novel toilet system is disclosed which is alternatively operable on a recirculating fluid supply or an external water supply. A foot-operated pedal, in combination with a switch selector, opens a mechanical seal to a holding tank and energizes the flushing operation. A novel, slide valve directs the flushing fluid from the selected source. In a specific embodiment, the toilet retracts into a wall fixture and combines a movable bowl member with a fixed receiver member. Separate flush lines clean the bowl and the receiver when in the retracted configuration.

United States Patent (72] Inventor William F. Katona Los Angeles. Calif.[21] Appl. No. 043.450 [22} Filed June 4, 1970 [4S] Patented July 20,1971 [73] Assignee Monogram Industries, Inc.

' Los Angeles. Calif.

[54] DUAL MODE RECIRCULATING TOILET SYSTEM 7 Claims, 12 Drawing Figs.152 vs. Cl 4/10, 4/78, 4/90 [51] Int. Cl E03d 1/00, E03d 3/00, E03d 5/00[50] Field of Search 4/78, 10, 77, 76,80,87,90, 115, 111, 116

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,067,433 12/1962 Diatz eta1 4/78 3,172,131 3/1965 Harkenhineetal. 1 4/115 3,356,221 12/1967Katona et a1 4/78 X 3,473,171 10/1969 Palmer 4/78 3,487,475 1/1970Minniear 4/10 3,501,778 3/1970 Minnearetal 4/10 Primary Examiner-HenryK. Artis Anorneys-Golove & Kleinberg, Leonard Golove and Marvin H.Kleinberg ABSTRACT: A novel toilet system is disclosed which isalternatively operable on a recirculating fluid supply or an externalwater supply. A foot-operated pedal, in combination with a switchselector, opens a mechanical seal to a holding tank and energizes theflushing operation. A novel, slide valve directs the flushing fluid fromthe selected source.

1n a specific embodiment, the toilet retracts into a wall fixture andcombines a movable bowl member with a fixed receiver member. Separateflush lines clean the bowl and the receiver when in the retractedconfiguration.

7m Jan/z a A M Mfd'l/lfi/Ill 5X41 i i mirme mm/ xmw ,w/ra/ mm! new a:IIIV! Fill/W9 7 name a PATENTEU JUL20 I971 SHEET 2 [IF 7 PATENTEB JUL20I97! SHEET 5 BF 7 PATENTEU JUL20 I971 sum 7 OF 7 DUAL MODE RECIRCULATINGTOILET SYSTEM The present invention relates to toilet arrangements and,more particularly, a toilet system suitable for installation in housetrailers, trains, boats, buses, aircraft or in other mobile, semimobileor even stationary installations.

In recent years, the popularity of recreational vehicles has increasedsubstantially and it has been deemed desirable to provide self-containedsanitation facilities within such vehicles. Basically, two types oftoilet systems have been developed to meet this need. A first type isthe closed system, recirculating toilet unit such as is described in theUS. Pats. to W. F. Katona et al., No. 3,356,221 and N. J. Palmer, US.Pat. Nos. 3,458,049 and 3,473,171. A second, more conventional, type isconnected to the vehicle water supply system and empties into a holdingtank.

The second type is marked by several disadvantages. Primarily, thestorage capacities of the water supply tank and the holding tank imposelimitations upon the usage of the system and, further, the availablewater supply is exhausted at a disproportionate rate. Mobility and rangeare restricted by the need for frequent emptying of the holding tank.

These disadvantages are avoided by the first type of system whichneither diminishes the fresh water supply nor requires a large holdingtank or the frequent drainage of a smaller tank. As taught in the abovepatents, the liquid in the tank is filtered and recirculated by anelectric pump. As a result, the system can be operated for a number ofcycles without attention.

Considering such recreational vehicles as campers, trailers and pleasureboats, in particular, extensive facilities are now available thatprovide connections to electrical power, running water, and wastedisposal facilities. Under such circumstances, it would be desirable tohave a system of the first type when such facilities are not available,as, for example, while in transit, and a system of the second typeavailable while at the facility. It was therefore considered desirableto have a sanitation system that could be alternatively operableas arecirculating system or as a more conventional, running water flushsystem.

According to the present invention, a toilet system of the first typesuch as is described in the above-mentioned patents, includes a flushsystem which alternatively receives flushing liquid from a running watersystem or a recirculating system, the selection of which is made priorto use. A foot pedal is provided which opens a mechanical seal assembly,a flush valve, and also energizes a miniature, snap-action switch.

Depending upon the position of a selector lever, the toilet flusheseither from the running water system or from the electrically operated,recirculating system and will continue to flush so long as the pedal isheld down. Upon release of the pedal, the flushing action ceases and themechanical seat isolates the toilet unit from the waste or holding tank.

The selector lever in a first configuration closes a water intake valveand closes a switch in the electrical circuit of the recirculating pumpmotor. The selector switch, in the second configuration opens the waterintake valve and opens the circuit of the pump motor.

Since the foot pedal controlled valve and switch are serially connectedto the valve and switch controlled by the selector lever, respectively,energization of the foot pedal causes a flushing action by whicheversystem is not disabled by the selector mechanism. A novel valve acts asa unidirectional flow device to direct flushing liquid from the selectedsource into the flush manifold and to prevent flushing liquid fromentering into the nonselected source.

The use of a floor-mounted" toilet unit, such as is described in theabove patents represents an intrusion into the available living space.In the larger vehicles, this presents no great problem and can beaccepted. However, in smaller vehicles such as campers and trailers andin small pleasure boats, it has been deemed desirable to have thesanitation facilities occupying a minimum of floor" area and,accordingly, some form of folding or disappearing toilet would appear tobe desirable.

In the past, folding" or disappearing" toilet installation have beenemployed in cabins or passenger vessels, where the allocated space wasinsufficient for bathroom accommodations. Similar installations havebeen made in the private compartments of railroad cars. Generally, suchtoilet facilities included a conventional toilet which was unfoldedprior to use. The toilet flushed from the available running water supplyand drained into the normal waste disposal system. In operation, theflushing of the toilet was accomplished before the unit was folded intoits compartment.

As an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a disappearingtoilet system can be installed in some 9 inches of depth and, in variousmodels, can be combined with a lavatory, a vanity, and a portable showerand shower pan. Such a unit permits the selection of either arecirculating flush system or a running water flush system, dependingupon the setting of a control selector lever.

A foot pedal is provided which initiates and controls the flushingoperation and the lever is so positioned that the toilet is retractedbefore flushing.

The toilet system includes a folding bowl having a flush manifold and astationary, receiving bowl mounted within the system and having aseparate flush manifold. The folding bowl acts as a temporary receptacleand discharges its contents into the receiver when the bowl is foldedinto its storage position. Operation of the foot pedal initiates theflushing action which separately flushes both the folding bowl and thereceiver.

As with the above embodiment, operation of the foot pedal first opens amechanical seal, and at the lower limit of travel, energizes aminiature, snap-action switch and opens a flushing valve. If therecirculating system has been selected by a lever, then the runningwater supply valve has been closed and the pump motor circuit has beenenabled. Similarly, if a running water system has been selected, thenthe motor circuit is disabled and the water supply valve is opened.

In this embodiment, an interlock switch may be provided so that thetoilet cannot be flushed unless the bowl is folded into its storageconfiguration to prevent inadvertent splashing during the flushoperation, especially if a high-volume flow is provided from the runningwater source. A folding support member can be included in the bowl unitto reduce the mechanical support requirement on the hinge system.

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of theinvention, both as to organization and method of operation, togetherwith further objects and advantages thereof will be better understoodfrom the following description considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings in which several preferred embodiments of theinvention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expresslyunderstood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose ofillustration and description only and are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the invention.

FIG. I is a front view of a dual mode toilet of the free standing type;

FIG. 2 is a side view ofthe toilet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a portion of the toilet of FIGS. 1and 2;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the toilet system of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a mechanical seal assembly;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a diverter valve assembly;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a folding toilet system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the folding toilet system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the folding toilet system with the toilet bowlfolded out for use;

FIG. 10 is a view of a portionof the flushing valve assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the selection switch assembly of the toiletsystem of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of an alternative mechanical seal useful in thesystem of FIG; 7.

Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown a front view partly broken away,of a toilet system operable alternatively as a recirculating toilet oras a running water, flush toilet. As indicated in the broken-awayportion, there is a motorized filter pump combination 12, similar tothat taught in the aboveidentified Katona and Palmer patents. A selectorswitch 14, mounted on the top of the motor housing 16 is labeled topermit selection of either a recirculating operation or a running wateroperation.

The toilet system 10 includes a holding tank 18, and a drain valve 20. Atoilet bowl 22 is fitted with a conventional flush manifold (not shown)and is provided with a seat 24 and a cover 26. In alternativeembodiments, a second flush orifice, independent of the flush manifold,is directly connected to the filter pump output. A foot pedal 28 isprovided for operating the toilet and is connected to a mechanical seal(not shown) which isolates the interior of the toilet bowl 22 from theholding tank 18, a flush valve (not shown) and a switch (not shown)which controls the electrical circuits to the filter pump 12. Thoseelements not shown herein are shown in the figures below.

Turning to FIG. 2, which is a side view of the system of FIG. 1, some ofthe elements obscured in the front view are more plainly seen. The pedal28 is mounted on a pivot 30 and includes a lever arm 32 which is coupledto a lever 34. The lever 34 terminates in a seal-actuating lever 36 andis also connected to a beaded chain 38 which connects to a switch lever40.

A flush switch assembly 42 includes a flush plunger 44 which operatesboth an electrical switch and a flush valve (not shown). Appropriatefittings 46 are provided to connect to a source of running water in thevehicle, which may be a water storage tank. An external source of watercan be connected to the tank or to the running water system, directly.

The filter pump 12 (FIG. 1) provides flushing liquid on a flushdischarge line 48 which is connected to a flexible hose 50, in FIG. 3.Flexible hose 50 is connected to a flush diverter 52 which is positionedin the bowl 22. A flush manifold 54 is connected to the flush valve andis connected to a channel 56 which encircles the inner periphery of thebowl 22 and includes a plurality of orifices for the flow offlushingliquid from the running water supply.

Turning back to FIG. 2, an overflow outlet 58 is connected to a flexibletube 60 which returns overflow to the holding tank 18. A post assembly62 includes a vacuum breaker, antisiphon valve (not shown) which enablesconnection to the running water supply.

As shown in FIG. 3, the toilet bowl 22 may be of conventional vitreouschina construction, including an internal flush channel 56 whichrequires a relatively large volume of water in a relatively short timeto provide adequate flushing and cleaning action. The flush channel 56then connects to the flush manifold 54, which is served by the runningwater supply from the flush valve 68. Toilet bowls normally utilized inthe recirculating toilet systems described above, have special flushrings and are intended for use with lesser volumes of flushing liquid ata lower volumetric flow rate. Accordingly, the flushing liquid from thepump filter 12 is applied through the special flush diverter 52 which isdesigned to provide a cleaning action for the flushing liquid furnishedby the filter pump 12.

The operation of the toilet system 10 can best be described inconnection with FIG. 4, which is a functional block diagram of thevarious elements 6f the system, shown in highly stylized form. Operationof the foot pedal 28 through the mechanical linkage shown in FIG. 2,operates a mechanical seal 64 which provides a virtually airtightisolation as between the interior of the tank 18 and the interior of thetoilet bowl 22. The lever 28 also closes a flush switch 66 which is inseries with the electrical circuit that energizes the filter pump 12 andwith the selector switch 14. The lever 28 also operates a flush valve 68that admits running water to the system. As illustrated, a manuallyoperated shutoff valve 70 is interposed between the flush valve 68 andthe flush manifold 54. Alternatively, the shutoff valve 70 can beoperated by the selector switch 14.

In operation, if the selector switch 14 is set to choose therecirculating system for operation as illustrated, the shutoff valve 70must be manually closed to prevent the introduction of running waterinto the system. Actuation of the foot pedal 28 then closes the flushswitch 66 which completes the electrical circuit of the filter pump 12through the electrical contacts of the selector switch 14. Flushingliquid is then pumped from the tank 18 through the flush output line 48and the flexible tube 50 into the flush diverter 52. The flush switch 66is positioned to be energized only at the end of the travel of pedal 28.The initial movement of the pedal 28 operates the mechanical seal 64opening the toilet bowl 22 to the holding tank 18.

The pedal 28 is held depressed for as long as is necessary to complete aflushing of the toilet 22. Releasing of the pedal 28 first opens theflush switch 66, deenergizing the filter pump 12. The mechanical seal 64is then permitted to close, again isolating the toilet 22 from the tank18.

To use the running water flush system, the selector switch 14 must beturned to the "running water" position which disables the electricalcircuits to the filter pump 12. The shutoff valve 70 is opened and thesystem is ready to operate. Depression of the pedal 28 first opens themechanical seal 64 and the flush valve 68 admitting running water fromthe source 72 into the flushing manifold 54 and through the channel 56.Releasing the pedal 28 closes the flush valve 68 and, finally, closesthe mechanical seal 64.

Turning next to FIG. 5, there is shown in idealized form, a mechanicalseal assembly 64, which may be utilized in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and2. As shown, the seal assembly 64 includes a flat, gate member 76 whichis povitally mounted for lateral motion within a gasket assembly 78. Agasket assembly 78 joins the bowl member 22 to the tank 18 and may becomprised of a pair of planar members 80, 82 which have an orifice 84therein which is occluded by the gate member 76. An actuating handle 86connects to the seal lever 46 to transmit translational motion to thegate member 76.

In alternative embodiments of the toilet system, a single flushingmanifold and flushing ring" could be utilized if some form of valvemechanism were provided which enables a flow of flushing liquid from oneof the two sources, with appropriate safeguards against backflow intothe other source.

Such a mechanism is illustrated in FIG. 6, which is a side section viewof a diverter valve 90 suitable for use in the present invention. Asshown, the valve 90 includes a cylindrical main body portion 92 with, asshown, a pair of centrally located fiow outlets 94, 96. A pair of flowoutlets is especially useful in connection with the embodiment of theinvention described below which includes more than one bowl that must beflushed.

At one end of the cylindrical body members 92, an end cap 98 is providedwhich is adapted to connect to a first source of flushing liquid. Asecond end cap 100, is adapted to connect to the other source offlushing liquid. For example, the first end cap 98 may be connected tothe recirculating fluid system and the second end cap 100 may beconnected to the running water supply system.

A sliding, spool valve 102 is closely fitted to the interior of the mainbody member 92, and is made ofa material that enables a substantially,liquid-impervious seal at the periphery so that the spool member 102 canfunction as a free-floating piston. Each exterior face of the spoolmember 102 is provided with a sealing ring 104' which is adapted to forma fluidproof seal as between the spool 102 and the inner surface of anend cap 98,100. Alternatively, the end caps may be provided with seatsto engage the sealing rings.

If, for example, the recirculating fluid supply is energized, furnishinga stream of liquid to the left (as viewed in FIG. 6) end cap 98, theforce of the liquid would propel the spool 102 to abut the inner face ofthe right-hand end cap 100. The sealing ring 104 would be held in asubstantially fluidtight engagement with the face of the end cap 100.The fluid flow provided from the recirculating source then flows out ofthe two outlets 94,96. Any fluid that can flow past the peripheral edgesof the spool member 102 is prevented from bypassing the compressedsealing ring 104.

If now the source of flushing liquid is changed and the running watersource applies liquid through the right hand end cap 100, the spool 102is propelled to the other end of the chamber and the seal 104 acts tokeep the flushing liquid from entering into the recirculating fluidline, attached to the left hand end cap 98.

Turning next to FIGS. 7 and 9, there is shown an alternative embodimentof the dual mode toilet of the present invention which is designed tooccupy a minimum of floor space in a recreational vehicle. FIGS. 7 and 8show the front and rear, respectively, of one model of such a dual modetoilet system, with the toilet bowl in the retracted or foldedconfiguration.

Turning first to FIG. 7, there is shown a wall mounted toilet system 110which is adapted to be installed in a vehicle. The system includes apump filter combination 112 (as seen in FIG. 8) a selector switch 114and a holding tank 118 which, for convenience is mounted below thefloor" of the vehicle. The toilet includes a retractable bowl unit 122which has a seat 124 hingedly mounted thereon.

A foot pedal 128 is provided for operation of the flushing system. Theflush pedal 128 is connected to a pivot member 130 and through a seriesof linkages and earns, controls an electrical flush switch 140, amechanical seal 164' and a flush valve 168. The external source ofrunning water is applied to the system at a water inlet 148 whichconnects to the flush valve 168.

The output of the flush valve 168 is applied to a water pipe 132, whichis connected to a selector valve assembly 134, which is a part of theselector switch mechanism 1 14, shown in greater detail in FIG. 12,below. An antisiphon, vacuum breaker element 136, is also provided toenable use of the system with the running water supply.

The flush output of the filter pump 112 is applied to a flexible tubing150 to a diverter valve 90 employing the valve 90 of FIG. 6, above. Thediverter valve 90 is also coupled to a second flexible tube 152 to theselector valve assembly 134 to receive the water flow therefrom. Inaddition to the retractable bowl unit 122, there is also a receiver bowlassembly 126, which is permanently emplaced within the unit, and whichconnects, through the mechanical seal 164, to the holding tank 118. Afirst flush manifold in the retractable bowl 154 is coupled to thediverter valve 90 through a flexible tube, and a second flush manifold156 in the receiver bowl 126 is connected to the diverter valve 90through a flexible member 158.

A manually operated, support leg 160 is mounted on the front of the bowlunit 122 and supports the seat and bowl when in the unfolded position.The support leg 160 is a convenient member for bringing the seat out ofthe folded configuration. The bowl 122, in use, is intended to be atemporary receptacle. When there is no further need for the toilet andbefore the flushing operation has been commenced, the bowl unit 122 isreturned to the folded configuration and the contents, temporarilystored therein, are free to flow into the receiver bowl 126.

Actuation of the pedal 128 opens the mechanical seal 164 into theholding tank 118 permitting a drainage of the contents of the receiverbowl 126. At the limit of pedal travel,

both the electrical flush switch 140 and the mechanical flush valve 168are actuated. Depending upon the selection made at the selector switch114, either the electrical system to the pump filter 112 is disabled orthe selector switch control valve 134 is disabled. Whichever system isoperating, furnishes flushing liquid to the diverter valve 90 and theninto the bowl unit 122 and the receiver bowl 126 to clean the interiorthereof.

Turning next to FIG. 10, there is shown in somewhat greater detail, thefoot pedal operated flushing mechanisms. Flush valve 168 applies runningwater to the pipe 132 that leads to the selector valve 134. At the sametime, at the extreme of pedal travel, a cam member 144 operates theelectric flush switch 140 which may be a miniature snap-action switch.

The flush valve 168 includes a rotating member with a return spring tomaintain the valve in the normally closed configuration. An extension ofthe foot pedal 128, includes a lever arm 146 which operates flush valvelever 148. A separate linkage assembly 166 connected to the foot pedallever also operates the mechanical seal 164.

In FIG. 11, there is shown an .alternative mechanical 64 which is usefulin the embodiment of FIGS. 7 through 9 and which may be adapted for usewith the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2. This mechanical seal includes ahinged gate member 76 which is mounted below a gasket assembly 78'having an orifice 84' which is occluded by the gate member 76.

The gate member 76' is mounted by means of a springloaded pivot and iscoupled for actuation to a pedal 28' through a linkage 166' that fastensto an actuating lever 86'. As indicated in the dotted configuration,depression of the pedal 28' through the linkage 166 operates the lever86' which pivotally rotates the gate member 76 against the force of thebiased pivot 80' opening the orifice 84 to enable communication betweenthe tank and the bowl.

Turning finally to FIG. 12, there is shown in a side view the selectorswitch assembly 114 which is employed in the em bodiment of FIGS. 7through 9. Shown in greater detail is the water supply line 132 whichconnects to the selector valve 134 and the vacuum breaker antisiphonvalve 116. As shown, a selector lever 170, which is accessible from theusers side of the system, can be placed in one of two positions forselecting either running water or recirculating operation. The switchlever 170 is mounted to a control shaft 172 which includes a cam member174. The shaft 172 also controls the selecting valve 134 to open orclose the valve to the flow of water.

The cam member 174 is positioned to actuate a miniature snapactionswitch 176 which is in the electrical circuit between the flush switchand the filter pump 112.

In the position that selects the running water system, the selectorswitch lever is turned to an orientation that rotates the shaft 172 toopen the selecting valve 134 and, at the same time, the cam member 174places the switch 176 in the open circuit condition. Placing theselector switch lever 170 in the position to operate the recirculatingsystem, the shaft 172 is rotated to a position that closes the selectorvalve 134 and the cam member 174 engages the switch 176 to a closedcircuit configuration.

Depending upon the configuration of the selector switch lever 170,energization of the pedal 128 will close the electric flushing switch140 and open the flushing valve 168. If the recirculating system hasbeen selected, the selector valve 134 and electrical switch 176 will beclosed and the filter pump 112 will operate. Alternatively, in therunning water selection mode, the electric switch 176 will be opencircuited and the selecting valve will pass water from the supply line132. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that a foot-operatedpedal is not essential to the present invention and that other meansmight be devised for opening the mechanical seal and operating theelectric flush switch and the flush valve. Other varia tions andcombinations will appear to those skilled in the art.

Thus, there has been described and shown in several embodiments, a dualmode toilet system which is alternatively operable as a recirculatingtoilet system or as a running water toilet system. By the manipulationof an appropriate selecting switch lever, a running water system and anelectrically operated filter pump recirculating system is selectivelydisabled. The flush control mechanism simultaneously energizes bothsystems after operating a mechanical seal which isolates the toilet fromthe holding tank. The system which has not been disabled is thenselected to operate in its characteristic fashion.

In an alternative embodiment, a folding toilet system has been describedin which the bowl member is hingedly mounted to a wall surface and maybe manually unfolded from the wall for use. A permanently emplacedreceiver bowl assembly remains within the wall and appropriate flushmanifolds clean both the bowl and the receiving bowl during the flushingoperation with the seat folded into its stored configuration.

What I claim as new is:

l. A dual mode toilet system including a toilet adapted to connect to aholding tank alternatively operable as a recirculating system and arunning water system comprising:

l. pump and filter means adapted to mount in the tank, and operable tofilter and recirculate flushing liquid as a source thereof;

2. running water supply means adapted to connect to a source of runningwater;

. flush manifold means connected to said pump and filter means and tosaid running water supply means for flushing the toilet;

4. selector switch means connected to said pump and filter means andbetween said running water supply means and said flush manifold means,including a valve for preventing the fiow of running water to said fiushmanifold and further including means for disabling said pump filtermeans; and

. flushing means including means for simultaneously enabling both saidpump and filter means and said running water supply means.

2. A dual mode toilet system as in claim i, above, wherein said flushingmeans further include mechanical seal means normally isolating thetoilet from the tank, and means coupled to said flushing means foropening said mechanical seal during operation of said flushing means.

3. A dual mode toilet system as in claim 1, above, wherein LII saidselector switch means are operable in a first configuration to open saidvalve and disable said pump and filter means, and in a secondconfiguration to close said valve and enable said pump and filter means.

4. The dual mode toilet system of claim 1, above, further including anenclosure for housing the toilet system; a first toilet bowl pivotallymounted on said enclosure for substantially vertical storage therein,said first bowl being coupled to said flush manifold means for receivingflushing liquid therefrom.

5. The dual mode toilet system of claim 4, above, further including asecond toilet bowl fixedly mounted within said enclosure and adapted tobe in fluid communication with said first toilet bowl, said second bowlbeing coupled to said flush manifold means for flushing liquidtherefrom.

6. The dual mode toilet system of claim 5, above, wherein said flushingmeans further include mechanical seal means coupled between said secondtoilet bowl and the tank for normally isolating said second toilet bowlfrom the tank, and means coupled to said flushing means for opening saidmechanical seal during operation of said flushing means.

7. The dual mode toilet system of claim 1, above, wherein said pump andfilter means are electrically operable, wherein said means for disablingsaid pump and filter means include a first switch in said pump andfilter means electrical circuit; and wherein said flushing means includea second switch in said pump and filter means electrical circuitserially connected with respect to said first switch.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 r 593346 Dat d y 20 a 1971 William P. Katona Inventor(s) It is certified thaterror appears in the above-identified patent and that said LettersPatent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the cover sheet [56] "Diatz et a1." should read Dietz et a1."Harkenhine" should read Herkenhine and "Minnear" should read MinniearColumn 1, line 53, "seat" should read seal Column 5, line 9, "and"should read through Column 7, line 19, "pump filter" should read pumpand filter Signed and sealed thisSOth day of May 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents FORM PC9-1050 (10-59) USCOMM-DC wan-Pu .5, GOVERNMENTVIINTING OFFICE '9" OI56JJI

1. A dual mode toilet system including a toilet adapted to connect to aholding tank alternatively operable as a recirculating system and arunning water system comprising:
 1. pump and filter means adapted tomount in the tank, and operable to filter and recirculate flushingliquid as a source thereof;
 2. running water supply means adapted toconnect to a source of running water;
 3. flush manifold means connectedto said pump and filter means and to said running water supply means forflushing the toilet;
 4. selector switch means connected to said pump andfilter means and between said running water supply means and said flushmanifold means, including a valve for preventing the flow of runningwater to said flush manifold and further including means for disablingsaid pump filter means; and
 5. flushing means including means forsimultaneously enabling both said pump and filter means and said runningwater supply means.
 2. running water supply means adapted to connect toa source of running water;
 2. A dual moDe toilet system as in claim 1,above, wherein said flushing means further include mechanical seal meansnormally isolating the toilet from the tank, and means coupled to saidflushing means for opening said mechanical seal during operation of saidflushing means.
 3. A dual mode toilet system as in claim 1, above,wherein said selector switch means are operable in a first configurationto open said valve and disable said pump and filter means, and in asecond configuration to close said valve and enable said pump and filtermeans.
 3. flush manifold means connected to said pump and filter meansand to said running water supply means for flushing the toilet; 4.selector switch means connected to said pump and filter means andbetween said running water supply means and said flush manifold means,including a valve for preventing the flow of running water to said flushmanifold and further including means for disabling said pump filtermeans; and
 4. The dual mode toilet system of claim 1, above, furtherincluding an enclosure for housing the toilet system; a first toiletbowl pivotally mounted on said enclosure for substantially verticalstorage therein, said first bowl being coupled to said flush manifoldmeans for receiving flushing liquid therefrom.
 5. The dual mode toiletsystem of claim 4, above, further including a second toilet bowl fixedlymounted within said enclosure and adapted to be in fluid communicationwith said first toilet bowl, said second bowl being coupled to saidflush manifold means for flushing liquid therefrom.
 5. flushing meansincluding means for simultaneously enabling both said pump and filtermeans and said running water supply means.
 6. The dual mode toiletsystem of claim 5, above, wherein said flushing means further includemechanical seal means coupled between said second toilet bowl and thetank for normally isolating said second toilet bowl from the tank, andmeans coupled to said flushing means for opening said mechanical sealduring operation of said flushing means.
 7. The dual mode toilet systemof claim 1, above, wherein said pump and filter means are electricallyoperable, wherein said means for disabling said pump and filter meansinclude a first switch in said pump and filter means electrical circuit;and wherein said flushing means include a second switch in said pump andfilter means electrical circuit serially connected with respect to saidfirst switch.